Barry Westling

Hi Julie: I don't use pretests too often - kind of varies. When I feel I could help students by first giving a pretest, I'll give one. Some subjects lend themselves better to pretesting more than others. If that kind of topic is pending, I may issue a (non-graded) pretest. Sometimes I'll redo the same test later on to show how far students have come. Regards, Barry

Hi Lori: Yes, utilizing a variety of learning resources gives the best opportunity for at least minimal retention on essential material. Regards, Barry

Hi Alice-Marie: Most all personalities will work on a basic level if we determine to be honest and sincere, convey caring and encouragement, and prepare thoroughly in order to present class information in an interesting way. Variety makes a big difference, and helps keep attention and focus on the subject - with the delivery person (instructor) in the background. We're just facilitators of learning. Regards, Barry

Hi Faith: Good - I think the more senses and sensory stimulation we can plan will boost a students retention and attention. Regards, Barry

Hi Ariana: Great self reflection and observation about yourself. I like that your recognition also has a solution accompanying it! A problem without a solution remains a problem. Regards, Barry

Hi Ariana: Job ready is the goal - yep! Lot's of learning has to fit within the timefrmae of the program and individual courses, but our goal is to methodically proceed making sure each nuggest and pearl is achieved by all students. Regards, Barry

Hi Ariana: Good lesson learned. Students may be physically present during classes but recognizing there is a limit of how much information a individual can process and retain is important when selecting course content. Breaking classes up with lots of variety and differnt activities can help retain and make class more interesting. Regards, Barry

Hi Paul: Yes, I think notes about what did and did not work, or resources needed, or anticipating questions students always ask abot such and such is quite a valuable use of a teaching journal. Regards, Barry

Hi Lori: In another sense, we could subtitute this term to "learning-centered", as that what the resiult is when we begin to zero in on individual performance needs of our students. Regards, Barry

Hi Lori: Reflection on a days activities (when there's time) can be very helpful and make for interesting reading for application at a later date. I think reading my thoughts from say, 2-years ago is facinating as it tells me something about me - perhaps groth, or improvement or just diiferent now from then. Regards, Barry